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In a rotational learning setting, the same Bible story or theme is taught for several weeks. Each week, learners rotate to a different station. The story remains the same, but children encounter it in different ways in each station. By having children explore a story or concept in different settings, the more it is reinforced throughout the unit. Rotational learning is exciting for the student and teacher alike, as teachers teach to their strengths and students experience Bible stories in the ways that they learn best. Rotational learning is grounded in the work of Howard Gardner in Multiple Intelligences Theory.

Michele Butler, Children’s Council member, presented the Rotation idea to the Council and it was unanimously voted to pursue this idea. Michele was asked to form a task force assigned with the research and study of the program. The committee was formed in February of 2006. The members are: Michele Butler, Tom Brayshaw, Anne Overby, Lisa Smith, Frank & Jerilyn Keith, Sharon Pintsch, Liz Cover, Judi Mayne and Patti Hutte. They have met several times since then studying and implementing various reports from each Task Force member.

For much of the twentieth century, psychologists believed that intelligence could be objectively measured and expressed by a single number, or “IQ” score. In 1983, Harvard psychologist, Howard Gardner, challenged this idea in the book Frames of Mind. Gardner argued that an IQ score defined human intelligence too narrowly. He proposed the existence of at least seven basic intelligences. In working with MIT, it is helpful to remember several key points.

1. Each person is a unique creation. We all possess all the intelligences but these intelligences work together differently in each person. Most people have some intelligences that are highly developed and some that are underdeveloped.

2. Each intelligence can usually be developed to an acceptable level of competency in most people.

Research continues on MIT. Gardner has recently added an eighth intelligence, naturalist, and discussed the possibility of a ninth, spiritual. PowerXpress was developed by Cokesbury in response to requests for a denominational curriculum designed for rotational learning, PowerXpress uses the first seven intelligences which Gardner identified. The types of learners are: Verbal, Logical, Visual, Physical, Musical, Social and Independent. This is the curriculum chosen by the KFUMC Rotational Task Force to use in our classrooms.

Many churches name their Sunday School program and their stations to fit the theme. We have chosen as our theme: “The River, where God’s Wisdom Flows”. (All Hill Country children can relate to the Guadalupe River that runs through the community!) The stations have the following names: The Genesis Theater (Media), Parable Play House (Drama/Story), Bible.com (Computer), Temple Tunes (Music/Movement), Loaves and Fishes (Cooking), The Potter’s Workshop (Art) and Creation Station (Science). Each classroom will have a relevant Bible scripture painted on the walls in the near future.

The beautiful murals originated from the conceptual sketches of local artist Dolores Peterson. She was asked to capture the theme of the river in each classroom. Each room contains water in some fashion. In mid-June the painting began under the direction of mural artist Dotti Brundrett. Almost twenty volunteers assisted Dotti in some way over the summer in bringing these lovely sketches to life. Each room is based on realism and seeks to enhance the children’s understanding of the Bible times setting. Approximately 5000 square feet of walls have been painted.

We have included all age groups in the river theme whether they are in Rotation or not. Presently grades 1 through 4 will do rotation. The other classes will do age-appropriate studies. Each class was given a name to tie into the theme:

Early Christian Awareness (The Lily Pad)	Room 115
Nursery (Paradise Pond)	Rooms 106 & 108
Ages 2 & 3 (Minnows)	Room 101
Age 4 (Tadpoles)	Room 103
Kindergarten (Dragonfly)	Room 105
Rotation (grades 1 to 4) (The Rapids)	Rooms 114 – 119
5^th Grade (“The River’s Edge”)	Room 102

Leaders and Shepherds
It easy to be a helper in this educational setting. A Leader is one who prepares the lesson for the station of the current Bible unit. A Shepherd travels with the children to the stations and assists the Leader with the presentation. Leaders will present the same lesson twice in the six weeks of Rotation. An advantage is that you do not have to make a commitment for several Sundays. We always welcome and encourage new volunteers.

Many Thanks to All
The wonderful support of all members who have helped in this project in any way, whether painting, sewing floor pillows, cleaning rooms, being Leaders and Shepherds for the program, is gratefully appreciated. Special thanks to Frank & Jerilyn Keith, who have been the project managers and worked many hours planning the success of this project.